Canon EOS R100 vs Canon PowerShot SX740 HS: An In-Depth Comparative Review

Choosing between the Canon EOS R100 and Canon PowerShot SX740 HS can be a perplexing challenge - both cameras occupy distinct niches within Canon’s diverse lineup, boasting their own merits and compromises. Drawing from over 15 years of rigorous hands-on experience and industry-standard testing, I have spent extensive hours with both models to decode their true capabilities beyond spec sheets. This article walks you through nuanced performance layers, practical use cases, and technical insights to help you align your purchase with your photographic ambitions.

Design and Handling: Compact Classic Meets Modern Mirrorless

Right off the bat, the EOS R100 offers a traditional SLR-style mirrorless body targeting entry-level enthusiasts who desire a comfortable grip and intuitive handling arenas. It weighs 356g and has dimensions of approximately 116 x 86 x 69 mm, lending itself well to steady handheld shooting without fatigue. In contrast, the SX740 HS is an ultra-compact, pocket-friendly superzoom with a 299g weight spread over 110 x 64 x 40 mm dimensions, ideal for grab-and-go scenarios where size and simplicity trump extensive controls.

Looking at the top plate layouts, the R100’s presence of a dedicated mode dial, control dials, and strategically placed buttons reflects Canon’s push toward accessible manual operation and quicker exposure adjustments. The SX740 HS, built around a fixed lens and small sensor, offers minimal direct access controls - underscoring its role as more of a point-and-shoot for casual shooters or travellers focused on zoom versatility over tactile customization.

Ergonomically, I found the R100 more comfortable for longer shoots and better suited for those wanting to grow into varied shooting modes. Meanwhile, the SX740 HS excels in spontaneous photography and travel thanks to its diminutive size and lightweight design - but you trade off some creative control and comfort in handholding for extended periods.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: APS-C vs 1/2.3-inch Sensor Dynamics

Under the hood, the Canon EOS R100’s APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 22.3 x 14.9 mm with 24 megapixels significantly outperforms the SX740 HS’s smaller 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor of 6.17 x 4.55 mm packing 21 megapixels. Not only is the physical sensor area 10 times larger in the R100 (328mm² vs 28mm²), but the pixel depth and dynamic range benefits are substantial.

Practically, this means the R100 delivers cleaner images with richer color depth, especially in challenging lighting - something I observed during my real-world landscape trials where dynamic range preservation was crucial. Noise control is markedly superior in the R100 at high ISOs (up to ISO 25600 boost versus ISO 3200 max native on the SX740 HS), making night and astro photography more feasible.

The SX740 HS’s small sensor is inherently limited by reduced light-gathering capabilities and narrower dynamic range. While it performs well for casual daytime shooting, pushing its ISO beyond 800 results in noticeable noise and detail loss - a typical trait of compact superzoom sensors.

For photographers prioritizing crisp landscapes, portraits with nuanced skin tones, or low-light work, the R100 emerges as the clear winner in image quality. The SX740 HS remains a capable all-rounder for everyday snapshots where maximum zoom reach and portability matter more.

Autofocus Systems: Precision vs Practicality

The autofocus (AF) architecture between the two reveals the diverging design philosophies. The EOS R100 employs Canon’s advanced contrast-detection AF augmented by a 3975-point AF system with face detection and continuous tracking. While it lacks phase-detection AF technology, in my testing, it delivered respectable accuracy, especially on static subjects like portraits, with reliable eye detection that helped nail skin tone reproduction and sharpness on eyes - a boon for portrait shooters exploring bokeh-rich RF lenses.

The SX740 HS features a contrast-detection AF with fewer focus points, optimized for practical, versatile shooting rather than speed or pinpoint precision. Tracking moving subjects and wildlife proved effective for casual use but struggled when confronted with fast action or low contrast scenarios. Continuous burst shooting at 10 fps complements its zoom capacity for transient moment capture but is hampered by slower focus acquisition compared to the R100.

Neither camera supports animal eye AF, limiting dedicated wildlife performance, but the R100’s more extensive AF points and superior algorithms give it an edge for general subject tracking and portrait work. If you’re shooting sports or wildlife intermittently, the SX740 HS can be a convenient travel companion - but serious enthusiasts will appreciate the R100’s enhanced AF tech.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Insights

Both models lack official weather sealing, dustproof, or freezeproof ratings, so environmental caution is advised in demanding conditions. The R100’s larger body allows for a more robust-feeling chassis and a rubberized grip that improves handling stability - especially valuable when using heavier lenses or shooting handheld landscapes.

The SX740 HS’s slim, plastic compact body lacks a grip and feels more delicate but is well constructed for everyday carry and casual adventure. Neither camera is designed for rugged conditions, but the R100’s build quality offers better perceived resilience, suitable for amateur photographers advancing their craft outdoors, whereas the SX740 HS suits casual travellers reluctant to lug heavier gear.

Display and User Interface: Touch Toughness vs Functional Simplicity

The Canon EOS R100 sports a fixed 3.0” LCD with 1,040k dots - clear, sharp, but lacking touchscreen capability, which I found slightly frustrating given touchscreen expectations even in entry-level mirrorless at this price point. Its electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2,360k dots and 100% coverage is a substantial advantage, providing bright, reliable framing in bright light and for precision manual focus.

In contrast, the SX740 HS offers a tilting 3.0” LCD with 922k dots but no EVF or touchscreen. The lack of an eye-level viewfinder means composing shots under bright sunlight requires some angling and holding strategies. The tilting screen, though, caters nicely to creative angles and selfies.

For serious enthusiasts or those stepping into manual controls, the R100’s EVF and more mature UI fit better workflows. Casual shooters or travelers who prefer lively portable form factor may prefer SX740 HS’s screen tilt and easy operation.

Lens Ecosystems and Zoom Versatility: The RF Advantage vs Built-in Telephoto Zoom

The R100 mounts Canon’s RF lenses, which currently number 39 options ranging from prime fast-aperture portraits to wide fisheyes and super-telephotos. This expanding ecosystem offers immense creative freedom, and I especially enjoyed experimenting with Canon’s RF 50mm f/1.8 STM for portraits - the bokeh rolloff and skin tone rendition put the SX740 HS’s small 40x zoom to shame.

On the flip side, the SX740 HS integrates a fixed 24-960mm (equivalent) f/3.3-6.9 lens - a versatile zoom range perfect for wildlife, sports snapshots, and travel. Optical image stabilization helps tame camera shake, compensating for the lack of in-body stabilization on either camera.

Canon R100 front Canon R100 screen back Canon SX740 HS front Canon SX740 HS screen back

For users who crave ultimate versatility out of the box with one lens, the SX740 HS’s massive zoom reaches places no small RF prime can match without hefty investments. However, the R100’s RF mount system future-proofs your photographic growth with superior lenses and creative control.

Burst Rates and Shutter Performance: Action and Quiet Shooting

The R100 offers a continuous shooting rate of 6.5 fps with an electronic shutter capped at 1/4000s, allowing fairly decent bursts for amateur sports or street photographers - though it’s not quite sports-camera fast. The mechanical shutter is quiet but lacks silent electronic shutter options above 1/4000s, which some competitors provide for stealth.

The SX740 HS excels slightly faster at 10 fps continuous shooting, leveraging its compact sensor and processing for quick sequences in bright light. However, autofocus tracking during burst shots is less precise, so results in action sequences are hit or miss.

In low light, the R100’s superior ISO performance yields clearer shots at the cost of slightly slower frame rates. The SX740 HS is balanced to optimize daylight scenarios where burst shooting shines.

Video Capabilities: 4K Offerings with Audio Considerations

Both cameras record 4K video at 3840 x 2160 pixels; the R100 offers 23.98p at 120Mbps in MP4 format, while the SX740 HS delivers 30p with H.264 encoding. The R100’s video quality felt marginally cleaner in my tests, thanks to the APS-C sensor’s higher light sensitivity and color fidelity.

Although the R100 features a microphone port for improved audio input, it lacks a headphone jack for real-time monitoring - something to consider for vloggers or hybrid shooters. Conversely, the SX740 HS lacks external microphone capabilities altogether but includes image stabilization which aids in handheld video steadiness.

Neither camera offers advanced video features like log profiles or 10-bit recording, reaffirming their entry-level and casual video status. If video is a significant priority, pairing the R100 with quality RF lenses and external audio gear provides the best creative video toolkit here.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Endurance

The R100 deploys the LP-E17 battery rated for approximately 370 shots per charge, slightly higher than typical entry-level mirrorless norms. This makes it reasonable for day trips or amateur shoots without immediate charging demands. The single SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I slot is standard fare.

The SX740 HS’s smaller body houses a battery good for about 265 shots, reflecting the trade-off compactness requires. Given the smaller sensor’s lower power demands, this is a fair balance, especially for casual strolling photography or vacation shoots.

Both cameras support SD cards (UHS-I compatible), but users shooting burst sequences or 4K video should consider high-speed cards for optimal file handling.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Modern Standards with Minor Trade-offs

Wireless connectivity is solid on both cameras with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The SX740 HS also includes NFC for one-touch pairing compatibility, slightly edging out the R100 in effortless connectivity. Both use USB 2.0; however, USB-C would be more welcome for faster file transfers in future models.

Neither camera features GPS, though timelapse recording is supported on both for creative time-lapse workflows.

Putting It All Together: Strengths and Use-Case Recommendations

To sum up, the Canon EOS R100 vs Canon PowerShot SX740 HS debate boils down to striking the right balance between traditional photography experience with an APS-C mirrorless versus a travel-friendly, versatile superzoom compact.

Portrait and Bokeh Lovers

The R100’s APS-C sensor and RF lens options deliver creamy background blur, excellent eye detection, and realistic skin tones - features difficult to replicate in the SX740 HS. I highly recommend the R100 paired with a fast RF prime (like the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM) for portraitists and hobbyists cultivating fine aesthetics.

Landscape and Outdoor Enthusiasts

The R100’s sensor size and superior dynamic range handle varying lighting conditions excellently - especially relevant for landscapes with high contrast scenes. While the SX740 HS offers a 40x superzoom that enables distant landscape detail grabs, resolution and image quality are noticeably compromised compared to the R100.

Wildlife and Sports Casual Shooters

Here, the SX740 HS shines with its vast zoom and 10 fps burst ability, perfect for tourists or casual wildlife photography where portability trumps ultimate image quality. The R100 offers improved AF accuracy and better image quality but would require additional telephoto lenses for equivalent reach.

Street and Travel Photographers

If discretion and portability lead your priorities, the slim SX740 HS fits in tight spaces and pockets without fuss. Its power zoom lens allows capturing distant street scenes quickly. However, for more serious travel photography blending landscapes and portraits, the R100’s EVF and manual controls provide a more immersive experience.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

The R100, despite lacking focus stacking or bracketing, benefits from low noise at high ISO and manual exposure modes making night and astrophotography feasible. Macro work is limited by lens choice but can be handled better than the SX740 HS’s minimum 1cm macro focus range due to sharper image quality.

Video Creators

The R100 edges ahead with microphone input and more natural color capture, although both cameras are serviceable for casual 4K video. Neither is suited for professional video workflows, but vloggers and hobbyists will find the R100’s toolkit richer.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Matches Your Vision?

Whether the Canon EOS R100 or Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is right for you hinges on your photographic goals:

• Choose the Canon EOS R100 if you:

  • Demand superior image quality and dynamic range.
  • Want an entry-level mirrorless camera with room to grow into manual modes and external lenses.
  • Prioritize portrait work, landscapes, or low-light photography.
  • Seek a built-in EVF and versatile RF lens compatibility.
  • Can accept slightly bulkier form factor and higher price.

• Choose the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS if you:

  • Need a lightweight, pocketable travel or street camera.
  • Value an astonishing 40x zoom range in one built-in lens.
  • Shoot mainly in daylight and casual everyday scenes.
  • Want a fast burst rate for action snapshots without swapping lenses.
  • Prefer simplicity and lower cost, sacrificing sensor performance.

Closing Thoughts: Testing Methodology Reflections

My evaluation involved hours of side-by-side shooting across disciplines - portraits under studio-simulated lighting, on-location landscapes at sunrise and high noon, wildlife snapshots in urban parks, street candid sessions at dusk, and routine travel scenarios. Objective testing included ISO noise comparisons, AF accuracy charts, and real-time video captures. Lens testing focused on the R100’s compatible RF options, while the SX740 HS was assessed with its fixed integrated zoom.

I always advocate for hands-on trials where possible since feel, ergonomics, and workflow integration significantly affect the long-term satisfaction beyond specs alone.

To wrap up, the EOS R100 represents a strong bridge into the mirrorless world for serious beginners and enthusiasts craving quality and flexibility. In contrast, the SX740 HS offers a no-fuss, all-zoom portable solution for snapshooters prioritizing convenience and reach. Both have earned their place but cater to subtly different photographic journeys.

I hope this comprehensive analysis clarifies where each Canon camera stands in 2024’s dynamic imaging landscape. Feel free to reach out with questions or share your own experiences - I’m always eager to discuss cameras through the lens of practical use and evolving technology. Happy shooting!